Electrical Wiring for a 220 Volt Compressor

How Electrical Circuit Wiring is Installed for a 220 Volt Air Compressor: I am trying to run 10-3 with ground out to my garage to run a 220 volt air compressor.

Installing a 220 Volt Compressor
Electrical Question: I am trying to run 10-3 with ground out to my garage to run a 220 volt air compressor.

I only need a 20 amp breaker to run the compressor.

Is 10-3 wire big enough to do this?

The wire will be in conduit and buried underground.

This electrical question came from: Paul, a Homeowner from Paducah, Kentucky.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Paul.

Electrical Circuit Wiring is Installed for a 220 Volt Compressor.

How to Wire a 220 Volt Compressor

Application: Electric Circuit for a 220 Volt Air Compressor.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the available access to the air compressor circuit and electrical connection box.
Precaution: Identify the air compressor circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the 220 volt air compressor wiring.

Installing Compressor Circuit Wiring

Paul, there should not be a problem installing 10 gauge wire for the compressor that you have described.

If the compressor requires a 20 amp 220 volt circuit you only need 10/2 with ground because a neutral is not required.

NOTE: Keep in mind that if you will be installing a PVC conduit that it should be sized so that the cable does not take up more than 60% fill of the PVC conduit.

IMPORTANT

Consult the owners manual for all electrical equipment for the specific electrical circuit requirements.

More about 220 Volt Circuit Wiring

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A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tip

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

Hi Jim,
I have added a link to the article above for the Voltage Drop Calculator to help you with your question about wiring your air compressor. Keep in mind that when connecting an air compressor to a building that is fed from another building that all of the wiring should be considered, which may be a factor for the overall voltage drop.
I hope this helps,
Dave